The 2018 event took place Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 AM. It was overcast, temps in upper 60's with high humidity. The 5k and one mile event were run at the same time.

Registration: A form was available online to print and submit via mail. (can't recall if there was online registration.) Or you could register on race day. Cost was around $20, shirts were guaranteed by a certain time and available first come first serve on race day. The were short sleeve, unisex, cotton.

Packet pick-up: Bibs and shirts could be picked up the morning of the race.

Pre-race: There was parking available near the start/finish for free at the nearby rec complex. Port-o-potties were available. The race start seemed delayed as announcements were stumbled through and the National Anthem was sung.

Race /Course: A route through town
-Terrain: Paved and chip n seal
-Scenery: Rural small Iowa town.
-Course Markings: The course had signs set up at every turn, easy to navigate. I believe there were mile markers.
-Spectators: A few people were out and about, lots of empty chairs as people were saving spots for a parade later that day
-Aid Station: Water on course
-Volunteers: plenty and always felt safe on the course
-Photography: No photographers
-Elevation: While there are no mountainous climbs, I think every hill in town was on the course

Finish / post race: There was a giant clock at the finish and lots of people standing around, only because this is where the food and water was located. There were bananas, watermelon and granola bars, in addition to ice cold bottles of water. Results were posted as they became available. A table of random prizes awarded by raffle was nearby.

Awards were held after the race. Prizes to overall and age groups.

Overall: The event has been a tradition of this small town celebration for years. It still keeps it small town charm while drawing a speedy crowd. The price is competitive, but I wish they would move into the world of non white cotton shirts.

My Race: I had an open weekend, so I thought I would run on the nearby trail before and after the race, sadly the trail was closed, so I just ran a mile before and after. My 5k goal is always sub 30, and in a smaller community race I always look at the competition and think I can place in my AG. This course had more hills than I could remember and my 28 something time wasn't even close to place in my AG as the winner finished in 18 minutes. Oh well, another 5k in the books.